This striking spiral displays a phenomenon known as a double nucleus - a feature that has also been spotted in the Andromeda Galaxy (heic0512 - ), the nearest spiral galaxy to us. However, Messier 83's centre is mysterious and unusual the supermassive black hole at its heart is not alone. This gas is then used to form new stars and also to feed the galaxy's central black hole, explaining why many barred spirals - including Messier 83 - have very active and luminous central regions. These bars are thought to act a bit like a funnel, channelling gas inwards towards the galaxy's centre. The Milky Way also belongs to this category. Messier 83 has a "bar" of stars slicing through its centre, leading to its classification as a barred spiral. Spiral galaxies come in a range of types depending on their appearance and structure - for example, how tightly wound their arms are, and the characteristics of the central bulge. It is a prominent member of a group of galaxies known as the Centaurus A/M83 Group, which also counts dusty Centaurus A (heic1110 - ) and irregular NGC 5253 (potw1248a - ) as members. Located some 15 million light-years away in the constellation of Hydra (The Sea Serpent), it is one of the most conspicuous galaxies of its type in our skies. Messier 83 is not one to blend into the background. One of the largest and closest barred spirals to us, this galaxy is dramatic and mysterious it has hosted a large number of supernova explosions, and is thought to have a double nucleus lurking at its core. This new Hubble image shows the spiral galaxy Messier 83, otherwise known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy. view moreĬredit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)Īcknowledgement: William Blair (Johns Hopkins University) One of the largest and closest barred spirals to us, this galaxy is dramatic and mysterious it has hosted a large number of supernova explosions, and appears to have a double nucleus lurking at its core. Image: This new Hubble image shows the scatterings of bright stars and thick dust that make up spiral galaxy Messier 83, otherwise known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |